Want an Instagram Tick? You'll Need a Grand or Seven

Having that blue tick next to your social media accounts is something to
be proud of. Nowadays, a mass of Facebook and Twitter users are
verified due to their popularity, follower-base and influence, with
everyone from David Beckham to a YouTuber with a couple hundred-thousand
subscribers sporting the check-mark. On these platforms, anyone can
apply for verification as a way to gain legitimacy, interest and a
higher ranking on Search results.

As well as the potential to boost following and attract potential
business, that tick is a status-symbol, so it's no wonder that, with all
these benefits, users are paying thousands of dollars to get verified
on Instagram, which has a more exclusive and strict verification policy.
Yep, thousands of dollars.Mashable reported
at the start of the month of Instagram's 'black market', where users
hope to gain a tick, as well as the benefits that come with it, by
paying middlemen to send an application. The middlemen in question are
sellers who have contacts who work for Instagram, and it's clear to see
it's a very risky but powerful business to be in.

While me or you could apply for a Twitter or Facebook tick, the
Instagram application form is only accessible to current and former
Instagram employees, along with big names/companies in the media. Buyers
will approach those who are willing to submit verification requests in
exchange for a whole load of money.

Mashable reports on a seller they spoke to called James and found
that "His contact at Instagram charges $1,200 per blue check-mark, and
then James will tack on another fee based on the user's apparent
interest or other needs. "

"I’ve sold verifications anywhere from $1,500 to $7,000," James
comments. He's only actually had three verification applications
approved, meaning the whole risky process could be (and has been) for
nothing. The likelihood of applications being approved is based on
current follower base of the user, as well as any press on the account
already out there.

Some sellers are also using bots, with the Mashable report explaining
how seller Alejandro Rioja has set prices for each platform with
Instagram costing the most. "The cost for verification is the highest on
Instagram because it's the most coveted. That's in part because it is
the strictest, several sources told us." See a screenshot of his
currently-inactive bot below:

Mashable

When Instagram employees send off the paid-for verification forms, they do have to put their name on it, which can be risky.

"That's one way Instagram can hold employees accountable to not misuse
their privileges for things like paid verification, according to several
sources." Mashable continues. If caught, employees could lose
their jobs, as previously seen when an ex-employee charged owners of
shut-down cannabis accounts up to $7,500 to reactivate them.

Instagram are aware of the present goings-ons and are working to shut
down the 'black market' completely, however haven't had much success so
far.